(KOPSI NEWS) - On May 23, 2025, the Cooperative Study Group (Kopsi) of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Airlangga (FEB Unair) carried out the "Cooperative I visit" activity to the Setia Bhakti Wanita Consumer Cooperative (SBW) located in Wonocolo, Surabaya as the work program of the Public Relations Division.
The visit began with the presentation of the history of the establishment of the SBW Cooperative since 1977 which was rooted in the initiative of women's empowerment, followed by in -depth exploration of the joint responsibility system as a collective guarantee mechanism between members. Participants also reviewed the superior products of cooperatives including savings and loans, food units, and MSME assistance, as well as being involved in interactive question and answer sessions related to the implementation of AD/ART, institutional revitalization, and savings management. The activity was closed with a tour around the office for direct observation of SBW cooperative operations, ranging from member services to the management of business units.
This activity substantially supports the achievement of SDGs 5th point (gender equality) through direct learning about the role of SBW in increasing women's economic participation. joint responsibility system developed by SBW created a network of special support for female members, while the leadership of the majority of women in the management structure and exclusive entrepreneurial training program reflects the commitment of equality access to productive resources. In parallel, this visit is also in line with the 8th point SDGs (decent work and economic growth) through the study of SBW contributions in creating formal jobs in its business units, encouraging local MSME productivity through inclusive capital schemes, and strengthening the mutual cooperation economy as the foundation of sustainable growth.
This field visit realizes the Experiential Learning Kopsi Universitas Airlangga in combining the theoretical studies and real practices of cooperatives. The SBW cooperative model provides an applicative perspective for the development of inclusive cooperatives in the campus ecosystem. Strategic collaboration with established cooperatives such as the SBW Cooperative also strengthens the Kopsi network for sustainable economic advocacy based on SDGs principles.
